Professor Judith Gardner came to UTSA in the fall of 1980 as a lecturer in what is now known as The Writing Program. Before she died in May 2008, she wore many hats: the supreme teacher, the administrator of The Writing Program and Writing Center, a colleague to her fellow professors, and a friend and mentor to countless students.
Judy was also the fearless leader of The Writing Program. Her pet project was The Writing Center with its technology lab and Tutoring services, which she founded in 1999. She also piloted the Writing Across the Curriculum program. She was always an excellent example of what she expected from each of her colleagues.
All the facets of Judy’s life and the qualities of her as a person made her a friend to everyone. She was never too busy or, in her last two years, never felt too bad to listen to her friends’ and students’ problems, whether school-related or personal. Judy had a way of perking up those around her. She influenced everyone to strive to be better people and gave people courage with her bravery. For all of these reasons, Judith G. Gardner was the consummate teacher and the ultimate mentor and advocate for students.
On September 5, 2008, The Writing Center was renamed The Judith G. Gardner Center for Writing Excellence.